The Welwitschia self-drive 4x4 trail falls within the Namib-Naukluft National park, and is situated approximately 30km outside Swakopmund. The trail meanders through the well-known Moon Landscape, the Welwitschia Plains and the Namib Desert oasis of Goanikontes.

Areas of particular interest are marked with beacons, and a brochure of the trail, as well as the necessary permit, is obtainable for a small fee from the Ritterburg Office of the Ministry of Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism in Swakopmund, on the corner of Sam Nujoma and Bismarck Streets, Tel. +264 61 404 576. (Also in Windhoek Tel. nr. 061 284 2111).

Following the marked trail takes approximately 4 hours, and beacons point out sights such as lichen fields, desert vegetation, the moon landscape, Welwitschia Mirabilis and others. If there is mist on the coast that morning, you may want to wait until the mist burns off before setting out on your journey, as views of the Moon Landscape may be obscured by the mist.

Should you decide to stay over, there is also a campsite available on the Welwitschia trail, and the camping permit is obtainable from the same office in Swakopmund.

Ritterburg Office of the Ministry of Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism in Swakopmund: Mon-Fri: 08:00-13:00 & 14:00-17:00, Sat-Sun: 08:00-13:00

From Swakopmund follow the B2 to Windhoek. Just outside Swakopmund, just after the Martin Luther steam engine, turn right onto the C28 (Khomas Hochland Road). Continue on this road (you will cross the Swakop river) until you reach the entrance to the Namib-Naukluft Park. Shortly after this you will see a signpost that marks the start of the trail. Turn left here and you will soon find the first of the 13 numbered beacons.

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Namibia